Kristine Sorensen Biography: Award-Winning Journalist and KDKA Anchor
Kristine Sorensen is an American Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter currently working for CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV).
She serves as a special news reporter and evening news anchor, focusing on stories that highlight positive community initiatives for families and children.
She has garnered acclaim for her work on Kidsburgh stories, which highlight positive initiatives for families and children.
In addition to anchoring the 5 PM newscasts, Kristine has hosted Pittsburgh Today Live for over a decade, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to journalism.
Kristine has received several awards for her journalism, including a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for feature reporting on Kidsburgh-based human interest stories. She has also won an Edward R. Murrow Award and an AP Award for her work.
Kristine is actively involved in her community, volunteering with organizations such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the March of Dimes, and Variety the Children’s Charity. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
In addition to her journalism career, Kristine has worked as an adjunct professor at Point Park University.
Early Life and Education
Kristine was born on September 23, 1971, in Winter Park, Florida. She attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism.
She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from the College of William & Mary and a graduate marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University.
Career:
Before joining KDKA, Kristine worked as a reporter and anchor in Dallas, Texas. She is best known for her role at KDKA, where she anchored the 5 p.m. news and hosted Pittsburgh Today Live for over a decade.
Kristine has received multiple accolades, including an Emmy for her feature reporting and an Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage.
Early Career
Kristine Sorensen began her career in journalism in Dallas, Texas, where she worked as a reporter and anchor. Her early experiences in this bustling media market helped her develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in the field.
During her time in Dallas, she covered a wide range of stories, from breaking news to feature pieces, gaining valuable experience and establishing herself as a trusted journalist.
Joining KDKA-TV
In April 2003, Kristine joined KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This move marked a significant step in her career, as KDKA-TV is one of the oldest and most respected television stations in the country. At KDKA-TV, Kristine quickly became a prominent figure in the newsroom.
She anchors the 5 PM newscasts, where her engaging presence and clear reporting style have made her a favorite among viewers.
Kidsburgh Stories
One of the standout aspects of Kristine’s career at KDKA-TV is her work on Kidsburgh stories.
These stories focus on positive community efforts aimed at families and children, showcasing everything from educational programs to innovative projects that benefit the younger generation.
Kristine partners with to bring these stories to light, highlighting the good happening in the Pittsburgh community.
Her dedication to these stories has not only earned her accolades but has also made a significant impact on the community.
Pittsburgh Today Live
For 11 years, Kristine hosted Pittsburgh Today Live, a news talk show that combines news, entertainment, and lifestyle segments.
The show was recognized as the best news talk show, thanks in large part to Kristine’s ability to connect with guests and viewers alike.
Her role on Pittsburgh Today Live allowed her to explore a variety of topics and engage with a diverse range of guests, further showcasing her versatility as a journalist.
Notable Reports and Interviews
Kristine Sorensen has conducted numerous notable reports and interviews throughout her career, focusing on impactful stories and community initiatives. Here are some highlights:
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Kidsburgh Stories:
Kristine is well-known for her Kidsburgh stories, which highlight positive community efforts for families and children. These stories cover unique in-school and after-school programs, free resources for under-resourced communities, and help for children with disabilities and autism. One of her favorite stories went viral and involved an autistic boy who, with the help of a communication device from Variety the Children’s Charity, began speaking. This story received global attention and has helped many families seek similar devices for their children.
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Pittsburgh Today Live:
During her 11 years hosting Pittsburgh Today Live, Kristine covered a wide range of topics, from local news to entertainment and lifestyle segments. Her ability to connect with guests and viewers made the show a success.
Awards and Recognitions
Kristine Sorensen has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her exceptional journalism and community impact. Here are some notable accolades:
- Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award: Kristine won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Best Human Interest Feature Reporter for her Kidsburgh stories. These stories focus on positive community efforts for families and children, showcasing unique programs and resources.
- Bill Burns Award for Journalistic Excellence: Kristine was honored with the Bill Burns Award for Journalistic Excellence at the 51st-annual Art Rooney Awards. This award recognizes her decades of journalism excellence and impact, particularly her work with Kidsburgh stories.
- Edward R. Murrow Award: Kristine has received an Edward R. Murrow Award, one of the highest honors in broadcast journalism, for her outstanding news coverage and storytelling.
- AP Award: She has also won an AP Award for her exceptional journalism, further solidifying her reputation as a top journalist in her field.
- Nominations: Kristine has been nominated for several other awards, including another Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Best Human Interest Feature Reporter for a story about her colleague, Jon Burnett, and a story about a young man with anorexia.
- Community Impact: Beyond awards, Kristine’s work has had a significant impact on her community. Her stories have helped raise awareness and support for various causes, including a fundraiser for Ukrainian kids during the invasion of Russia and her long-term involvement with the March of Dimes and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Kristine’s dedication to journalism and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions, making her a respected and influential figure in the field.
Adjunct Professor:
Kristine Sorensen has shared her extensive knowledge and experience in journalism by working as an adjunct professor at Point Park University.
In this role, she teaches courses related to journalism and media, helping to shape the next generation of journalists.
Her real-world experience, combined with her academic background, provides students with valuable insights into the field of journalism.
Financial Status:
Net Worth: Kristine Sorensen’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful career as an anchor and reporter.
Salary: Kristine’s annual salary ranges from $60,000 to $120,000. However, a more specific estimate places her salary around $72,700 per year.
Personal Life:
- Age: Kristine Sorensen is 52 years old. She was born on September 23, 1971.
- Zodiac Sign: Kristine’s zodiac sign is Virgo.
- Ethnicity: She is of White ethnicity.
- Nationality: Kristine is American.
- Relationship Status: Kristine is married.
Husband:
Kristine is married to Marty Griffin, a fellow journalist and radio host at KDKA. The couple has three children: Vincent, Chloe, and Sophia.
Marty Griffin
Marty Griffin is an American investigative reporter and radio talk show host working for KDKA-TV and KDKA-AM radio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He was born on June 12, 1959, making him 65 years old. Marty has had a long and distinguished career in journalism, starting in Wichita Falls, Texas, before moving to Dallas, Texas, where he worked as an investigative reporter for NBC affiliate KXAS.
He returned to Pittsburgh in 2003 to join KDKA-TV and KDKA Radio. Marty hosts The Inside Story with Marty Griffin on KDKA Radio and is known for his in-depth investigative reporting.
Children
Kristine and Marty Griffin have three children: Vincent, Chloe, and Sophia. The couple takes great pride in their children and is actively involved in their lives.
Vincent, their son, started a club at his middle school to raise funds for Ukrainian kids during the invasion of Russia. This initiative shows the family’s commitment to making a positive impact in their community.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Kristine stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
- Distinguishing Features: Kristine has brown hair and blue eyes.
Social Media Presence:
Kristine Sorensen is active on social media. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where she often posts updates and interacts with her followers.